New American College in Jerusalem Opens in October with 80-100 Enrollment

The newly-established American College in Jerusalem will begin its first academic year in October with an initial enrollment of between 80 and 100 students, all from abroad, the Jewish Telegraphic Agency learned today. Dr. Norman Greenwald, president of the college, said that it was a non-sectarian institution, privately financed and with no organizational affiliations. Its primary purpose, he said, is to afford English-speaking students from Diaspora countries an opportunity to study in Israel while earning an American liberal arts degree. The college is chartered by New York State and is utilizing leased land and rented buildings in Jerusalem.

Dr. Greenwald said that instruction will be given entirely in English. But intensive study of Hebrew and of Israel’s history and culture will be mandatory. One of the main purposes of the college is to keep its students in Israel for longer than one year, something that other foreign-sponsored study programs in Israel have failed to do, he said. Up to now, Dr. Greenwald said, foreign students have had to leave the country just when they were beginning to know its language, people and culture. Because instruction will be in English and American academic methods will be used, the new college will not accept Israeli students. Dr. Greenwald said he expected the enrollment eventually to number between 500 and 600, but the college will be kept small.